McCarthy is a familiar figure to return to the club after featuring throughout the Linnets' 2018/19 pre-season as a trialist.

A holding player, he can also operate in central defence.

The 26-year-old is noted for his commitment and endeavour, having initially joined the Linnets in August 2016 on dual registration with new league rivals Skelmersdale United.

McCarthy made his first debut off the bench in the Linnets' maiden competitive win under Michael Ellison's management - a 4-1 home victory over Irlam in the Hallmark Security League Premier Division.

The player's first spell in the Yellow & Green saw 23 appearances, including 20 starts, in 2016/17 season with two goals.

He has also previously played for Vikings FC (now Widnes FC) and scored one of the goals in their maiden victory in North West Counties League football - a 5-1 win at Northwich Flixton Villa in August 2013.

Since leaving Linnets, McCarthy has played for Burscough, but he has since had a spell out of the game because of a cruciate ligament injury.

Promising teenager Declan Gallagher has also been drafted in by Linnets to increase their defensive options.

Gallagher has impressed during a pre-season trial spell, which has seen him pitched against opposition including Vanarama National League North clubs.

A tall and confident centre-back, the 19-year-old's last club was Vauxhall Motors, who were Cheshire Amateur Cup runners-up in 2017/18 and also finished second behind South Liverpool in West Cheshire League Division One.

Prior to that, he was as a youth player on the books of Mersey Royal and Skelmersdale.

His performances led to him gaining representative honours with Liverpool County FA's under-18s team.

It was with the LCFA that Gallagher, who also spent time as a youngster with Wigan Athletic, completed a hat-trick of National Cup titles - after similar success with Liverpool Schoolboys under-15s and his school's under-16s side.